WOW Word-Of-the-Week #327: Successful
November 15, 2010 by Susan Clarke
Successful – having achieved wealth or eminence.
Do you consider yourself to be a successful person? Do you know anyone that you consider successful? Is it because they have great wealth? What great achievements have you made?
Would you agree that Warren Buffet is successful? He certainly has made lots of money and to be one of his investors requires loads of money. He is the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Class A shares of their stock sold for $99,200 as of December 31, 2009, making them the highest-priced shares on the New York Stock Exchange, in part because they have never had a stock split and never paid a dividend.
Warren Buffett
Last week Buffett hosted an exclusive two-hour retreat for 160 students from eight universities. Can you imagine how exciting it would be to be one of the selected students? What questions would you want to ask Warren? Do you think all he would talk about is the economy, finances, and business?
A SD Tribune article by Pat Flynn, quoted what Buffett thought were three of the biggest ways to be successful. First he said, “Recognize the good qualities you see in other people and adopt them for yourself.” Second, “He emphasized that doing what you like is the most important thing.” And third he said, “If you want to be successful, be the type of person other people want to work with.”
I was so impressed by what he told the students! I have always believed that money in and of itself does not make one successful. I also think we don’t give ourselves enough credit for the achievements we have made. Would you agree?
This week focus on Warren’s three keys to success. What good qualities do you see in others that you could adopt? Are you doing what you like? How easy is it for to attract and keep quality people in your business and your life?
Reader Responses
“This is a good one. I’m going to adopt some of your good qualities, like jumping up and down in enthusiasm more.” – Elaine
“Great job and great message today. I saw one of your seminars years ago in Orlando at the PGA show and have always enjoyed getting your Fun–damentals emails ever since. Please keep up the great work!” – Brian
“Like millions of people I have so admired Warren Buffet; he is filthy-rich; he earned his the old-fashion way; he is down to earth and like you, one helluva teacher. Good show!” – PC
“I am really surprised that you listed wealth as the first parameter and then only two are listed. There are so many successful people out there and wealth for sure is not why they are considered successful. Just my thoughts for what its worth. Wow for sure!” – VHK
“Warren Buffet is successful because he recognizes those good, positive qualities in other people he has selected for his firm. What is impressive about truly successful people is that most don’t take themselves too seriously. And they are good listeners. In my dealings with the very wealthy, I have noticed that many like to keep a low profile and not draw attention to themselves. This is reflected in their philanthropy. When successful, wealthy people give away their money, they do it quietly with little fanfare. Now, there are a lot of wealthy people who are not very nice to others and are greedy. They want to keep as much as they can, without having to either pay taxes or spend it. I have been told a few times in my life that I am a successful person. Many of us probably don’t think we are as successful as other people think we are. Because we are living inside the picture frame, it is usually others who see the truly successful person. I have been blessed with good health in my life, which has allowed me to do and experience many things. Education-wise I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees from two fine institutions, Marquette University and Northwestern University, respectively. Every position that I worked so far in my professional career, I left it in a better position than where I found it. I have written two books, I am married to a beautiful woman with two beautiful daughters. And on top of all of that, I am a happy man. To me, that is success in life. Is simply being happy. Have a great weekend, Susan.” – “Warrior” Joe